Chesterfield pub may be demolished to make way for new food shop

Michael Broomhead

A Chesterfield pub may be demolished to make way for a new shop under plans which promise to create up to 20 jobs.

The Wheatsheaf in Newbold Road could be transformed into a Co-operative food store.

A cash machine and parking spaces would also be provided.

Last year, the Co-operative signed an agreement to develop 54 pub sites from the Marston’s public house portfolio owned by NewRiver Retail.

A spokesman for NewRiver Retail, which submitted the proposals to Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The community food store will result in a number of benefits for Newbold and the local economy.

“There would be a high-quality new, small convenience store in a convenient, accessible and sustainable location and there would be the creation of up to 20 new jobs, likely to be attractive to residents of the area.”

The spokesman added: “The proposed food store constitutes an inward investment of more than £1million.

“It would enhance the range of local facilities and amenities and help to ensure that a higher proportion of locally-generated retail expenditure is spent within the area.”

In an objection letter submitted to the borough council, one resident said he was concerned that a stone plaque in the pub’s lounge may be under threat because of the proposed demolition.

The plaque was installed to commemorate Newbold’s first school which was built in 1785, according to the resident.